×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Ambulance hijacked, abandoned in KZN

An ambulance was hijacked in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban on Sunday, the KwaZulu-Natal health department said.

The ambulance had two crew members inside who were transporting two patients from the KwaMakhutha clinic to a hospital, spokesman Sam Mkhwanazi said in a statement.

"While enroute, the ambulance was allegedly flagged down by two males under the pretext that one of them was a patient and needed attention," he said.

The men then allegedly held the driver at gunpoint when they stopped to help them and forced the crew members to get into the back of the vehicle.

One of the crew members managed to escape from the ambulance and jumped over a nearby fence where he hid himself.

"The assailants allegedly drove the ambulance towards KwaMakhutha before abandoning it and fleeing from the scene," said Mkhwanazi.

The patients and one of the crew members were not harmed in the incident, the other crew member sustained minor bruises during his escape.

Mkhwanazi condemned the incident, and said those rendering health care services should be protected.

"The department of health views the incident in a serious light and believes that society cannot afford to allow unscrupulous criminal elements to interfere in the crucial and life saving service," said Mkhwanazi.

 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.